Delta School District is launching program this fall intended to take learning out of the classroom and on to the land.
The Farm Roots Mini School – cheekily marketed as "ground breaking" – is slated to be sown in Ladner in September. It's open to students in Grades 10-12, who would attend the specialized program every second day while attending classes at their regular school on the other days.
The hands-on mini school, run in partnership with local farmers and industry workers, is located in the Boundary Bay area on eight acres of land. Students will not only learn about growing crops and raising animals, but about related business, science and environmental issues.
Students will also design their own inquiry-based research projects, pursuing whatever interests them, whether it be learning more about urban farming, food security, animal health or organic foods.
Some courses are also being co-developed with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, allowing students to not only accumulate credits that count toward their high school graduation, but toward university.
An open house about the Farm Roots program is scheduled for Feb. 13, 1-4 p.m.at 6570 1A Ave.
To register for the program, go to www.deltalearns.ca/farmroots