PSG - Outdoor Education & WP10

We are delighted to announce the continuation of WPGA's vibrant and innovative Outdoor Environmental Education (OEE) Program for the upcoming school year. This cherished program blends adventure, learning, and personal growth in the natural world, creating transformative experiences for our students. Through thoughtfully designed excursions in beautiful natural settings, students develop lasting connections with the environment while building valuable life skills.

WPGA students in Grades 8-12 participate in mandatory 3-5 day out-trips throughout the school year that connect experiential activities to classroom curriculum. Grades 11-12 students can select from various program options to apply previously developed skills. Many students use these experiences to fulfill Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition requirements, which is further supported through year-round seminars, presentations, and leadership opportunities.

The program focuses on three principles: developing interpersonal skills (responsibility, teamwork, communication); acquiring outdoor skills (like sea kayaking and low-impact wilderness camping); and building environmental awareness and stewardship. These trips form an important part of WPGA's culture and tradition.

If students cannot participate in scheduled programs, they'll complete an alternative project involving a written report and outdoor experience, allowing them to learn about a specific geographic area while experiencing the benefits of time outdoors.

We expect students to maintain a positive attitude that inspires others, show willingness to try new activities, be open to learning, and demonstrate cooperation. These experiences provide a safe and supportive environment for developing leadership skills and character.

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Grade 8-10

For Grades 8-10, we run outdoor, experiential trips that focus on student development. Locations vary from year to year, and include Evan’s Lake Camp, Manning Park (including an option for winter camping at Lone Duck and Cambie Creek), and Strathcona Park Lodge (offering stays at the lodge and at activity locations nearby).
Grade 11-12

The OEE program in Grades 11 and 12 offers more individual choice for students as they have several options to fulfill their OEE requirement during their senior years. Trip options start in mid-September and go through until year's end, including multiday excursions to various locations in BC. There will also be several day trips offered throughout the year such as North Shore hiking, indoor/outdoor rock climbing and bouldering, and sea kayaking. The OEE department also supports an annual trip called the “Wolf Prowl” for grads working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Silver or Gold award, which is entirely student-conceived and planned. Students can learn and practice the skills required for planning and executing a multiday trip. Popular student-initiated trips have been sea kayaking in the Gulf Islands or Indian Arm or hiking along the Juan de Fuca trail or in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Multiday and day trips are scheduled around school events to limit school absences and conflicts with other events.

Finally, Grades 11-12 have opportunities to lead junior level OEE programs. These senior students help younger students in planning and preparing for their outdoor trips and act as assistant leaders during outdoor excursions. This program is an excellent way for students to develop leadership skills and to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of outdoor pursuits and practices. For more information, students are advised to speak with Mr. Field.

Students are expected to take part in one multi-day trip or three one-day trips during their grades 11 and 12 years or submit a formal request to have a personal trip that meets the standards of the OEE department, taken within the same timeframe to satisfy their OEE requirement.

Grade 11 and 12 students may find more information about each trip, including the dates and prerequisites, here. Students will need to sign up for each trip. Outdoor education may not be appealing to everyone; however, there are benefits to completing these trips such as developing character, grit, perseverance, and other personal development aspects. All students expand their comfort zones each time they step outside of them.

Students will be held accountable if unable to attend. If students have any questions, they may contact any member of the Outdoor Education Department.

WILDERNESS PURSUITS 10

Wilderness Pursuits is designed to enrich and extend those skills introduced through the grade level Outdoor Environmental Education Program. The course is based around the three core principles of Personal and Group Development, Outdoor Skills and Practices, and Environmental Awareness. Students will reflect on First Peoples Principles of Learning, and gain further knowledge of Indigenous Education. Working in the classroom, in the field and in the community, and together with a variety of specialists, students will develop an understanding and awareness of different outdoor activities along with the skills required to safely participate in these activities. Students will be provided with hands-on opportunities to learn more about environmental concerns and issues. This focus will extend to out-trips and excursions and will help to inform students about ethical and sustainable environmental practices. Most importantly, participants will have opportunities to learn about themselves, their areas of strength and areas still to grow, and how they interact with others in different environments and situations.

Through the year, students in this program develop strong bonds with their peers and learn to function and communicate effectively as a team. The course will be scheduled for 3 blocks every second day allowing for sufficient time to pursue off-site activities and multi-day excursions. There are typically 4 trips scheduled over the year, requiring students to miss some class time in their other courses. Students interested in this program must be prepared to commit to the time requirements involved to be eligible for entry. Students should ensure they are not taking on too much in their Grade 10 year so that they can give adequate time to the WP program.

Students enrolled in the Wilderness Pursuits program will complete PHE 10 (Wilderness) within the program, giving them their credit for Physical and Health Education 10. For course selection, please select both Wilderness Pursuits and PHED 10 (Wilderness). Students in WP who want to be on a Varsity team that practices in the Varsity block (basketball, swim, boys soccer and girls volleyball) should ALSO select Varsity Study Block as one of their elective choices.

Application and Selection Process

Students submit a written application (available in Wolfnet Resources or at www.wpga.ca/wp), 2 references, and participate in an interview. The program is limited to 20 students. The program roster will be the result of qualified and committed applicants. Students who did not get in may be placed on a waitlist, which will be maintained until the second Friday of the school year. After the second Friday of the school year, there will be no further admissions to the program.

What WP Teachers are Looking for

Students should have a genuine desire to participate in the program. They should have an outstanding reputation from both previous OE trips and their academics, as they will miss classes and must be self-motivated to catch up. Students must demonstrate strong time-management skills and maintain a positive, open attitude toward new experiences. They should be comfortable in outdoor settings and in sharing with the group for personal development, and they must have an appropriate level of fitness to complete the trips.

This application process is undertaken in March and April. For more information, please contact Mr. Field at afield@wpga.ca.

Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.