Blog.lcs.on.ca

Dressed for Success | LCS Uniforms Designed for Active, Engaged Learning

Posted on 29/06/202112/07/2021Categories LCS Learns

Before students arrive at Lakefield College School, they may have some preconceived notions about what an independent school uniform looks like. From movies to TV shows, there are countless popular culture representations of private school dress. For many years, independent schools across the country–including Lakefield College School–adopted a standard uniform comprised of slacks and a button-down for boys and a skirt or slacks with a blouse for girls. Though this uniform may have served a purpose at some point in time, in 2018, LCS began a process to review classroom dress with a survey of students and faculty to gauge what changes they would like to see. By spring of 2019, the school had struck a student-faculty team who worked collaboratively to identify a dress standard that would be more in line with our authentic learning and outdoors every day strategic priorities, that would promote choice regardless of gender and…

Why We Use the Harkness Method

Posted on 27/05/202128/05/2021Categories LCS Learns

“When we arrive at the Harkness table, everyone’s voice is heard and this is what I love the most about Harkness.” - Caroline Chen ’21 At Lakefield, we have used the Harkness Method for years. Related to the Socratic Method, Harkness discussions involve loosely structured group conversations about course material and concepts. At Lakefield College School, our Grade 9 and 10 students are often led by their teachers, who provide questions to guide discussion and learning. By Grade 11 and 12, students create their own inferential and applied questions to drive the discussion. The Harkness Method is not focussed on a “right” or “wrong” way of learning or understanding material; it is a powerful exercise in collaboration and self-expression. During a Harkness discussion, our teachers take an observatory approach. Students lead the discussion themselves, asking each other questions, and prompting new avenues of inquiry. The Harkness Method is a powerful…

Important Things You’ll Learn in “From Seed to Table: Adventures in Eco-Farming”

Posted on 10/05/20215/07/2021Categories LCS Learns

From Seed to Table: Adventures in Eco-Farming provides high school students with the opportunity to learn about food production and eco-farming through hands-on adventures at our school garden. Students will plant, nurture, and harvest greens, root vegetables, and more, learning first-hand about the business of running a farm, the value of sustainability, and the joy of preparing and consuming food that they have grown. In the morning, students will work together, developing their collaborative skills to complete projects at the garden. In the afternoon, they will build and foster friendships with their peers while enjoying fun activities at our waterfront. Regenerative Farming Techniques This course is designed to connect youth to regenerative food systems through hands-on, experiential practice using regenerative farming techniques, such as composting, increasing crop diversity, and organic annual cropping. Learning about regenerative farming is not only important for those interested in a career in agriculture. It’s imperative for all students…