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In each of these instances, our girls are following their interests,
asking authentic questions, connecting with others, generating
solutions, making choices and reflecting on themselves as
individuals and learners. In other words, they are engaged with
their learning.
Of course, student engagement isn’t limited to the classroom. Our
girls are curious and interested in all facets of school life. They apply
the lessons and themes of Prayers on the playground. They bring
their life passions to school clubs. They build close social bonds on
the field while competing for a win. They establish charities to help
other girls around the world access education. They solve real-world
problems, out in the community and in the school.
Consider Havergal’s partnership with the University of Toronto’s
Engineering Strategies and Practice (ESP) students, for example.
The trails that connect our Outdoor Learning PlaySpace to the
Burke Brook are suffering from the effects of erosion and shifting
ground. Budding engineers in this first-year university course
are going to tackle the problem and offer a solution, putting their
communications and design skills to the test. And our own students
will be working on the problem with them, resulting in a presentation
to our Facilities staff. It doesn’t get more “grounded” and real-world
than that!
We could say that Havergal is lucky to have such a strong handle on
bridging the engagement gap with our students, but aside from the
good fortune every teacher and leader enjoys in being a part of this
French students create art to depict their interpretations of the book
Ru,
by French-Canadian novelist Kim Thúy.
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HAVERGAL COLLEGE
Student Experience