May 28, 2015 - 1:30pm
Grade 10-12 students gathered recently at Vancouver Island University (VIU) to discuss important issues confronting Vancouver Island, including waste management, forestry, green energy, population growth, Island lifestyle and transportation.
Hosted by the grade 10 Global Studies class at The High School at VIU, the “Sustainable Solutions” symposium attracted students from Aspengrove school and Woodlands Secondary school in Nanaimo.
“Our goal was to educate high school students about sustainability and how we can change our lifestyle to use natural resources more wisely and keep our world safe and clean,” said Joshua Luh, an international student from Taiwan studying at The High School at VIU. “The future is ours and we can be the change.”
Students from The High School at VIU organized the one-day symposium as part of their Global Studies 10 class under the supervison of teacher David Butler.
“It was a team effort,” said Angelika Hebert, a student from Nanaimo who enrolled at VIU’s High School last September. “Our whole class got involved in planning this event. It’s been a great learning experience.”
Natasha Subocheva from the Ukraine, another student at The High School, agreed that working on the project with other international and Canadian students benefited everyone. “The international students got to practice our English skills and everyone got to know each other a little better.”
Principal Catherine Brazier says The High School at VIU offers Canadian and international students an environment where they are encouraged to thrive.
Students graduate with a BC Dogwood diploma within a truly international program.
“Our staff encourages students to become global citizens with a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to help solve problems in Canada and around the world,” said Brazier.
Operating on VIU’s Nanaimo campus since 1996, The High School at VIU is open to both international and Canadian students. The diverse student body helps to enrich the learning experience for everyone.
Brazier says students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for one-on-one classroom instruction, and the chance to deeply explore topics of personal interest during their studies.
The High School at VIU prepares students for entry into university, and qualified graduates are guaranteed direct admission to VIU, she adds.
Students can take university courses in their Grade 12 year, and have access to a myriad of resources and amenities, including VIU’s Library, gymnasium, cafeteria and science labs.
The High School at VIU is one of only three high schools attached to a Canadian university, added Brazier, and “it’s one of the most affordable options to students outside of the public system on Vancouver Island and throughout Canada.”
Applications for Grades 10, 11 and 12 are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. For more information contact Brazier at highschool@viu.ca or 250.740.6317.
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Media Contact
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6288 E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @viunews
Tags: Student Success