This is an experiential program that is designed to enhance learning for all students who are interested in pursuing a Grade 11 Environmental Science course. Learning will take place in person at A Rocha Brooksdale Environmental Centre located in South Surrey BC. The centre is located in the Tatalu (Little Campbell River) Watershed where there is a salmon spawning river, natural temperate coastal rainforest and a working garden that uses sustainable farming practices. The student will be learning through hands-on activities and conducting scientific surveys as appropriate to help them develop and achieve the core competencies of the BC Curriculum. 

1. Nature is the teacher and classroom for this program, and it takes place fully outdoors rain, shine or snow. 
2. It is accredited by the esteemed Heritage Christian Online School (HCOS) and overseen by Mr Anthony Kuchma, who is the High School Science Teacher as well as  Grad Advisor for HCOS BC’s Interior. 
3. It emphasises a place-based learning approach with core competency skills that will equip students to carry the learning to their own place, and serve them well in their tertiary education. 
4. This is a cross-disciplinary program where students will be learning about Foods, doing Physical Education and gaining in-depth knowledge about First Nations’ principles of learning. 
5. We believe strongly in empowering our students to learn and contribute to their community.

This program is for all students who are eligible to take Grade 11 Environmental Science. It is open to students from all homeschooling networks, not just HCOS. As it is accredited by HCOS, please ensure that you have checked with your respective admin for the necessary administrative procedures before signing up. All administrative procedures related to accreditation are the sole responsibility of the student and the parent/guardian. 

Note: There will be a fair amount of walking up and down the terrain to access the learning locations along the river or forest. Please take this into consideration. Connect with us if you need to request for adapted learning. On a case by case basis, adapted learning could take place if the student has a support worker or parent to supervise.

This program is available twice a year – Fall and Spring term. It starts in Fall 2022. 

Each term has 10 learning sessions, once a week on Tuesdays 2pm-4pm. 

Fall term – 1st week of September to November

Spring – Late March to May (starts right after Spring Break)

This program has 10 learning sessions focusing on different aspects of the Grade 11 Environmental Science Curriculum. In each weekly session, the student will complete an assignment that is predetermined by the HCOS teacher and submit it to the teacher online. The Environmental Educators at A Rocha will facilitate the students hands-on experiential learning at Brooksdale. The assessment looks like this:

1. 30% – Coursework (in relation to the content quizzes or reflections)
2. 50% – Activities carried out at A Rocha and related assignments (curricular competencies): 90% attendance required
3. 20% – Final examination

Students will receive 4 credits for Environmental Science 11. This Science course will meet the Grade 11 or 12 Science course requirement for graduation. For more information, please check out Heritage Christian Online School Course Library.

We believe that this program can be integrated into your child’s education, regardless whether they attend a traditional school or home school. It aligns with the BC Science Curriculum and it can be a great flexible option for students who desire to learn in nature and develop their core competencies skills in a different way. Please check this out for more education information from the BC government. 

As a faith-based organisation, our view of the natural world and our relationship to the land is informed by our christian tradition. We are happy to answer questions that would deepen one’s understanding of Creation Care. This program is meant for students of all backgrounds and beliefs. Nature is everyone’s teacher!

All our educators are BC certified educators with many years of teaching experience locally in private schools and overseas. All staff working with children have had background checks.

Situations may occur that require you to cancel your child’s spot in this program — that’s ok, we understand! As spots are very limited with 10 students per term, we sincerely seek your understanding to inform us at least two weeks prior to the start of the program for full program refunds (minus a $50 service fee). This is to ensure that the admin has time to process the changes and other students have the opportunity to take up the program.  

Generally speaking, we do not offer refunds for cancellations after the program has started, but extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Not sure how to make it work? Looking for more information? Let’s connect!