Now the youngest students can benefit from this school’s innovative approach to learning
Last January we ran a profile on the Edge School for Athletes in Calgary. At first, the programs were for Grades 5 to 12, but the school is expanding its programming to include Kindergarten to Grade 4 for the 2016-17 school year. We asked Edge School’s physical education and multisport director, Karen Sargant, to update us on what they are doing to develop physical literacy for children in these early grades.
What makes your school different from others?
The mission of Edge School is to build a culture of personal excellence in academics, athletics, and character. The small class sizes and personal attention help students to be successful, and build skills to serve them throughout their lives.
Tell us about the new program for younger kids.
We’re very excited to be able to offer a new program for the early elementary years (K-4).
Unlike our students in Grades 5-12 who choose among sport academies including dance, hockey, soccer, golf, and figure skating, or flexible academic programming to accommodate rigorous off-campus athletic pursuits, the younger kids won’t choose a sports specialty. What makes our program different is that on top of their regular academic classes, they will have multiple activity times strategically placed throughout their school day.
What kind of activities will the kids participate in?
They’ll learn how to skate, and how to move to music; they’ll develop soccer skills, and because we believe in the whole child, there will be an infusion of the arts. Fun and variety is the focus and our young students will develop fundamental movement and sport skills, work on social interactions through teamwork and game play, and develop healthy habits that will set them up for being active for life.
What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of this program is not to develop sport specialists but to instill confidence and competence so that they will be able to play and participate in a variety of sports and activities.
Is the program based on any criteria or best practices?
Absolutely. At the Edge School we develop all our programming in line with LTAD and the goals from Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE), which value long term excellence over short term success.
If you’re in the Calgary area and want more information about the Edge School, there is a parent information session about the Kindergarten to Grade 4 program being held on January 12, 2016 at 7 p.m. Visit the school’s website to learn more.
