When Kwantlen Park Secondary was first built in the early 2000s, a curious approach was taken. Three double rooms were left with no wall connecting down the middle; the space that occupied six normal-sized classrooms was now in place for three.
The Inter-A Program moved in shortly afterwards and has called Kwantlen Park its home ever since. The program, also known as the “school within a school,” is a district leadership program that educates students in Grades 8-12 about the value of community leadership and teamwork.
With the larger classroom space provided by the missing walls, Inter-A students have the room to complete multi-grade group projects that range from a small class projects to arranging and organizing festivals and activities for the entire program.
With only around 170 students in total, it isn’t difficult for students in the program to automatically form a family-like bond. Multi-grade friendships within the program are not uncommon, although that is not to say that Inter-A students do not interact with the greater Kwantlen Park student body as well.
Despite the fact that the program has separate classes from the rest of the school, Inter-A students are still actively involved with the rest of the school. From holding seats within the Kwantlen Park Student Council, to volunteering with the Kwantlen Park Lunch Program, to playing on numerous sports teams, Inter-A students can proudly agree they are not only “Inter-A students,” but “Kwantlen Park students” as well.
From the time Kwantlen Park was built up until now, Inter-A students have continued to strive within the school, volunteering and running leadership opportunities within it. The program’s philosophy has changed little in the history of its existence, believing in the potential of students and training them to become great leaders. It’s safe to say although Kwantlen Park is down three walls, the school feels anything but empty.
Cindy Zeng
Grade 10 student
Kwantlen Park Secondary