Introducing Our Philosophy
Why Choose ArtsCalibre Academy?
Step through the doors of ArtsCalibre Academy in the morning, and you’ll find our dedicated staff team preparing for the day with focus and enthusiasm. By 8:30 AM, the energy shifts as students arrive—smiling, eager, and ready to learn.
What’s behind those smiles? What makes our school community so vibrant and engaged? At the heart of it all is our distinctive approach: the thoughtful and intentional integration of the Arts into every aspect of learning.
Extensive research supports what we see every day—Arts education is closely connected to academic success, social and emotional development, student engagement, and equity in learning. Participation in the Arts is linked to measurable gains in areas such as math, reading, critical thinking, and verbal skills. It also fosters confidence, collaboration, focus, and creative problem-solving.
So why are our students genuinely excited to come to school each day? Because learning here is joyful, challenging, and deeply meaningful. The Arts don’t just enrich the curriculum—they help children connect more deeply with the world around them, express themselves in new ways, and grow into confident, compassionate members of their community.
One Grade 5 student put it simply: “We are not taught to our grade—we are taught to our ability and skills. We are encouraged to challenge ourselves in every area.”
When asked in June 2025, one of our Grade 6 students shared: “I love learning here. Did you know that my Oak learning group is small, I had 11 friends in my class, not like my old school. I can focus, I can be me. Did you know that I learn differently and that doesn't matter. Did you know that I do real art learning, I get to go outside to learn, I get to be me. Did you know I learn about the LeaderinMe. My mom needs to Sharpen Her Saw more.” (J.L.)
What are our four core values at ArtsCalibre Academy?
Engagement
At ArtsCalibre Academy, we believe that meaningful learning begins with engagement. When children are fully involved and inspired, they thrive. That’s why engagement is a central aim of our program—and a key reason we integrate the Fine Arts into every aspect of our curriculum.
Learning Environment
A safe, respectful, and supportive environment is essential for student success. We are committed to maintaining a space that is free from stress and confrontation, where students feel secure and valued. Small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios further enhance the quality of learning and connection.
Expression
We encourage students to express themselves openly and authentically. When children feel free to explore their thoughts and emotions through creative and academic channels, they build the confidence and emotional resilience needed to meet both academic and social challenges.
Growth
ArtsCalibre Academy is growing alongside our students. From our strong foundation in early childhood education, we are expanding gradually—adding one grade at a time toward Grade 5 and beyond. This growth is guided by strong relationships among students, families, and staff, and by the warm, inclusive atmosphere we foster every day.
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Why do we do Thematic Teaching at ArtsCalibre?
At ArtsCalibre Academy, we take a holistic approach to education through thematic teaching—integrating multiple subject areas under a common theme. This approach helps students make meaningful connections across the curriculum, making learning feel more natural, engaging, and relevant.
Rather than dividing the day into rigid subject blocks, thematic teaching allows literacy, numeracy, science, the arts, and more to come together in a cohesive, purposeful way. Vocabulary, spelling, and sentence structure develop more smoothly, while critical thinking and creativity thrive.
Student Voice Matters
Each year, our students help shape the themes we explore. As a school community, we gather to discuss and choose topics for the year ahead. This gives students a sense of ownership and deepens their motivation. It also encourages collaboration with families and the wider community—many of whom contribute their unique skills and experiences to enrich our learning themes.
Flexible, Inclusive Learning
Every child learns differently, and thematic teaching creates space for that diversity. Students are grouped into learning pods that may span multiple ages and grade levels. Within these pods, learners are further grouped based on interests and abilities—allowing for differentiated instruction that meets each student where they are.
This flexible model builds independence, focus, and confidence. Students stay more engaged, take greater responsibility for their learning, and feel truly connected to what they’re doing in the classroom.
Why do we do Project-Based Learning (PBL) at ArtsCalibre Academy?
At ArtsCalibre Academy, we are proud to use Project-Based Learning (PBL)—a student-centered approach that brings learning to life through real-world challenges and hands-on inquiry.
While PBL was officially introduced to the BC Curriculum in 2016/17, it has long been a natural part of how we teach. This method aligns seamlessly with both our thematic teaching approach and our deep integration of the Arts.
In a PBL classroom, students engage in extended projects built around meaningful, complex questions. They work as independently as possible—researching, problem-solving, collaborating, and applying academic knowledge in creative, practical ways. The process is rigorous and purposeful, encouraging students to think critically and work through challenges over time.
Throughout each project, students develop essential skills such as:
Collaboration
Presentation
Creative and critical thinking
Communication
Time management and responsibility
The final result? High-quality work that reflects deep learning—often shared through live presentations, digital media, or public displays. These authentic opportunities help students take pride in their work and recognize the value of their learning beyond the classroom.
At ArtsCalibre Academy, PBL empowers students to take ownership of their learning, while building the confidence and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Beyond the Curriculum: Enriching Education at ArtsCalibre Academy
At ArtsCalibre Academy, our curriculum frequently goes above and beyond the standards set by the BC Ministry of Education. We enhance learning by incorporating specialized programs that help develop the confidence, character, and advanced skills students need to thrive—now and throughout their lives.
Our integrated approach includes the following key programs:
The Leader in Me
Based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Leader in Me is a whole-school framework designed to foster leadership, responsibility, and self-confidence in students. Much like a computer's operating system, it supports all other areas of learning by helping students build essential life skills for success in school—and beyond. Learn more...
MindUP™
Grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology, MindUP™ helps students develop focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. Through mindfulness practices and brain-based strategies, students learn how to manage stress, improve concentration, and build the social-emotional skills that support both academic achievement and well-being. Learn more...
Handwriting Without Tears
This hands-on, developmentally appropriate program makes learning to write fun and accessible for young children. Handwriting Without Tears not only supports fine motor development but also enhances creative expression. Research shows that elementary students often write more—and more effectively—by hand than by keyboard. Learn more...
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based program focused on building emotional literacy and reducing aggression in children. By observing and interacting with a visiting infant and their caregiver, students develop empathy, compassion, and stronger social connections—skills that lay the foundation for healthy relationships and inclusive communities. Learn more...
Each of these programs complements our core curriculum and reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Sir Ken Robinson's inspiring TED talk: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?"