RAIL FAQ
Is this different than the SKY program?
Somewhat. While the RAIL program encompasses the same philosophy and pedagogy as the SKY program, the RAIL program provides a more structured environment. This will allow students to build towards the independence and self-directed style of the SKY program. However, RAIL will be for students in grades 8 to 9 and there will be attendance everyday for full days.
Who’s it for?
The type of students who will be successful in RAIL are independent learners who are also able to work as members of a team. They are curious, creative, reliable, organized, and able to apply new learning. These students are sociable and willing to speak up with ideas and questions. RAIL Students are doers, leaders, makers, thinkers, dreamers, and problem-solvers. They may want to go to post-secondary or they may want to go straight into work. If you’re not sure if RAIL is right for you, call us or email us and we would love to support as you consider this option!
What grade levels do you work with?
We will continue to in-take a grade 8-9 cohort in September. Grade 10-12 will have the option to apply to SKY.
Who isn’t it for?
People who are not self-directed in their learning. People who like having teachers tell them what to do and when. People who don’t think they’d enjoy spending a lot of time making projects. People who prefer being in a large class, sitting in rows. If you’re not sure, call us or email us and we would love to offer information to support you in these decisions!
Is this a remedial program?
No! Students must be self-directed Not only is it a full-fledged school, much of it has been designed to let people, who feel that school normally doesn’t offer them enough interesting work, really fly. We believe a small team working with young people to develop and execute their own projects can be a great shift for people who don’t feel challenged by traditional classrooms.
How does enrollment work?
Anyone who’s interested can apply here. We will then invite you in for an interview to determine if you are a suitable fit for the RAIL program.
What do you mean by ‘projects’?
Basically what you mean when you say “project” in the real world. It could be a report, computer software, art, a book, a scale model, a presentation, a play, etc. A student can choose nearly any project as long as it conveys their understanding of the concepts in the Ministry of Education's prescribed learning outcomes. Most of the projects people will do at RAIL will be of their own design. Our goal is for students to design and create interdisciplinary projects that they will produce over an extended time period and our job is to help them get there.
Examples of projects.
As a culminating project for a unit on the French Revolution, a student may choose to show their learning in a way that is authentic to their own strengths. A student might create a 3D model of an important scene or event, write a series of historically-inspired creative journal entries, create a podcast style interview with important people from the time, design and build a board game, write a song,….the opportunities are endless!
What do you mean by 'interdisciplinary'?
By creating projects, students are able to engage and build upon skills and knowledge from any and all subject areas.
Can I still go to university?
Yes! All our course credits are the same as traditional school. Plus. we’ll work with you to make sure that you’re prepared for the school which interest you. We’re on your team, and we don’t want to just push you out into the world if you’re not stoked for the next step.
What if I don’t want to go to college?
Then we’ll work with you to make sure not only that you’re trained for a job you’re excited about, but that you find one. Through our work experience program we will try to place you in a work space that aligns with your career goals. We’re on your team, and, again, we don’t want to just push you out into the world if you’re not stoked for the next step.
What’s a typical day look like?
There will be a morning session, then lunch, and then an afternoon session. What people will do in those sessions will change from day to day and from year to year. RAIL students will participate in curricular based lessons that are designed to be engaging and participation driven. Students will spend a majority of their time in the program working on projects (driven by their particular talents and passions) that reflect their understanding of the lessons. Since there will be times throughout the day when students will be working independently they will be able to allocate more time to the subjects that they find most challenging.
Where will it be?
We are currently located in Palmer Secondary School, 8160 St. Alban's Road, Richmond, B.C.
What courses are offered?
Five RAIL courses in Mathematics, Science, English, Socials, and ADST. Palmer has options for the remaining three courses in French, PHE, and a choice of Art, Band, Tech or Drama.
How will people be graded?
Based on the new curriculum students in grade 8-9 are graded on their competencies of the learning outcomes. At the beginning, young people will be asked to articulate what they’re looking to get out of the project and what success looks like. Those standards will be used throughout and at the end of the project to evaluate it. Collectively, these critiques—like an architecture studio or a performance review in a job—will form a portfolio used to evaluate the student's progress.
Has anyone done this before?
Pieces of it. Project-based work has been pioneered at places like High Tech High. Self-directed learning at Thomas Haney Secondary. Inquiry learning at iHub in Coquitlam. Project based learning at the Energetic Learning Campus in Peace River. Personalized learning at Navigate NIDES in North Island. Challenge based learning in our elementary schools in Richmond. Genius Hour programs during the summer and our elementary schools. What we are doing is bringing these innovative and highly effective educational methods together into one classroom. We then match the individual student with the learning style that will bring them the greatest success.
We have been teaching senior SKY students in a blended online, project based, personalized learning model for 5 years. Our focus has been on our students’ passions and interests. We found that not only did students perform better academically but student engagement and connection with the community also increased. We are now ready to give grade 8 students the opportunity to participate in this program as well.
Are your teachers part of the union?
Yes! Just like any other school.
How big will it be?
We limit enrollment to 25 students a year.
How can I get involved?
By getting in touch! We’re always on the lookout for great partners and volunteers. In the meantime, please be sure to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on twitter or instagram.
