For students at West Island College, learning goes well beyond the conventional classroom.
The Grade 7-12 independent school equips students to discover new interests, opportunities and possibilities.
“We pride ourselves in providing real-world learning opportunities that give students the skills, connections and confidence that they will be successful in their post-secondary and life choices,” says director of learning and innovation, Natasha Bathgate.
These opportunities include the signature WIC Institutes. Comprised of rigorous academic courses and leadership, connections with professionals and abundant enrichment opportunities, the WIC Institute model sets students up for success in their post-secondary plans.
For example, 2020 French Immersion graduate Ana Quintero Garcia was recently awarded the Schulich Leaders Scholarship, which has a total value of $100,000, and is awarded to select individuals who will be pursuing a degree in a STEM program. She will take this scholarship to McGill University next fall where she will be pursuing an engineering degree.
The mentorship, competitions and problem-based learning opportunities provided by engineering institute coordinator Maddy Mills contributed significantly to Quintero Garcia’s achievement of this prestigious scholarship.
Sometimes, these experiences offered through West Island College’s Institute programs can change the course of a student’s academic career, Bathgate says. “We’ve had students who thought they were certain of what they wanted to study or be after high school, but through experiencing a particular field or career first-hand, they discovered options that excited and suited them more,” she says.
Hands-on learning at West Island College gives students the opportunity to generate well-designed, real-world solutions and innovations. SuppliedEmphasizing rigour, relevance and relationships, West Island College has a strong focus on STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics). In recent years, it has also incorporated the arts and humanities into that core, turning STEM into STEAM.
Through an appreciation of human nature that is fostered in the arts and humanities, the “A” component of STEAM gives students an advanced ability to generate well-designed, real-world solutions and innovations.
“Ana won several engineering competitions not only due to her flair for engineering, but additionally, her understanding of what people need,” Bathgate says.
Currently, WIC’s Institute model allows students to explore deep experiential learning in the areas of business, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts and fine arts, with visits to Calgary facilities and trips to innovation centres such as Silicon Valley and New York City to help students see how their learning applies to potential careers. It also offers a French immersion program and extensive offerings in athletics, clubs and international travel.
“A lot of schools will prepare students to be accepted into university, but we pride ourselves in going beyond that. We equip students to be confident and successful once they are in and beyond university,” Bathgate says.
West Island College takes pride in being able to pivot quickly in changing times, and that’s never been more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school was up and running with full online learning the day following school closures.
In fact, some presentations from guest speakers gained a wider audience by being available to parents and alumni, as well as students. The band program performed a digitally streamed concert, and drama students demonstrated incredible creativity through the creation of a digitally generated performance of the Laramie Project, where each student recorded their part alone at home and the tech crew students masterfully combined them into a seamless and moving performance.
“Suffice to say, no matter how the next school year plays out, we will be there with a full, robust offering,” Bathgate says. West Island College, at 7410 Blackfoot Tr. S.E., has been educating young Calgarians since 1982. Notable alumni include business leader Manjit Minhas, Winnipeg Jets centre Adam Lowry and a range of other leaders in science, business, the arts, philanthropy and athletics.
For more information, visit westislandcollege.ab.ca; for admissions inquiries, email admissions@mywic.ca.
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