Learning Centre
Promoting Inclusion, Fostering Independence
Established in 2005, the Learning Centre (LC) is an integral and increasingly popular part of Shawnigan Lake School that aids our students in achieving their optimal academic and personal success. By doing so, the LC contributes to Shawnigan’s goal to nurture student potential, pursue academic excellence, and help our young people develop future-proofing skills in preparation for life beyond our gates.
Students elect to participate in the LC program for a variety of reasons, including support for learning disabilities, academic difficulties, recovery from injury, illness or prolonged absence, and mental health challenges that interfere with academics. At the LC, enrolled students are supported by exceptionally talented full-time teachers who each have special education training as well as subject specialties. Using a flexible and individualized approach, we create a program of support for each student to help them reach their potential. We teach skills and strategies and emphasize process over product. Finally, we advocate for our students, while acknowledging that confident independence at the post-secondary level and beyond is the ultimate shared goal.
What makes the Learning Centre unique?
Shawnigan students who enrol in the LC program benefit from a number of unique features:
- Centralized and accessible location
- Soundproof test room
- Zen meditation room
- Multiple breakout classrooms to facilitate small group instruction
- Specialized teacher support
- Learning Centre program built into schedule as an elective class
- Homework help provision and assistive technology
- Mentorship program between senior and junior students
How does it work?
Each student who enrolls in the LC program is assigned to an inclusive education teacher who monitors progress, communicates with teachers, parents, advisors and House Directors, and maintains a holistic overview of all the aspects of a student’s life that affect learning. If appropriate, the LC program can also be accompanied by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that helps teachers adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate the student in the regular classroom.
Each Learning Centre class replaces another elective class in the student’s schedule for a total minimum of three customized hours each week dedicated to learning support. Generally, each LC class meets every other day for 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, students can receive help with their most challenging homework, work on their IEP goals, and learn about study strategies, test-taking skills and educational tools. Additionally, students can drop-in to see us after school, during the evening or on Saturday mornings.
At a Glance
- 10-15% of students use the Learning Centre
- 60% of students who use the Learning Centre take honours or AP courses
- 4:1 student-teacher ratio
- 100% of students receive post-secondary acceptances
What Students are Saying
Student Profile
Keely R.
"I originally decided to come to Shawnigan because of the Learning Centre, because I am dyslexic. When my older brother came for his tour, my parents visited the Learning Centre and immediately thought that it was perfect for me, and was exactly what I needed to help me with my academics and to prepare me for university.
The LC has such a positive way of thinking about learning disabilities. They strategize around your individual needs, and they support and help you with everything. You can go there to take tests and to get help with your school work. It was exactly the environment I needed to be successful. My grades are better than they have ever been, and I have been able to gain a voice for my learning disability. Before, I was very shy and embarrassed about it, but now I feel totally confident to advocate for myself and my needs." Read More
FAQs
List of 10 frequently asked questions.
Learning Centre Staff
List of 7 members.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
