At Pear Tree School, we believe education should do more than teach facts and skills. It should inspire students to find their passions and develop a deep sense of purpose.
Our teaching philosophy, encapsulated in the Pear Tree Method, is designed to nurture not only academic skills but also the personal growth necessary for students to make a positive impact on the world.
Explore the outcomes of our educational approach below, where we detail the tangible successes and lasting impacts our students achieve.
Pear Tree School’s approach to academic excellence transcends traditional education methods.
We achieve this by implementing a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum that exceeds BC provincial standards and prepares students for real-world challenges.
Here’s more info about how Pear Tree School's approach leads to exceptional academic outcomes:
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Theme-Based Learning:
At Pear Tree School, students explore broad and engaging themes that connect different subjects together. This helps them understand how these subjects apply to the real world, not just for passing tests. For instance, while studying a theme like 'Natural Resources,' students look at the topic through the lens of multiple subjects:
Science: Investigating environmental studies, like pollution.
Math: Analyzing data to understand pollution levels.
Language Arts: Writing essays to argue for conservation.
Social Studies: Examining how resource depletion affects the world.
1) Our grade 2/3 Solar System theme launched with this art activity.
2) We then went on a field trip to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
3) While there, we did a workshop related to light from the Sun.
4) Another art activity, this one related to the phases on the moon.
5) The finished artwork hanging up, plus an accompanying math activity related to tracking the Moon cycle.
6) A mindfulness moment as we gaze up at the projected cosmos.
7) Time to start work on the first of two presentations, this one about Venus.
8) The first presentation about what we've learned about Venus.
9) Final project time. This is was a Mercury survival STEM project for our stuffy.
10) Perfect! Everything our stuffy needs to survive on a trip to Mercury. Now, time to give my presentation to the parents!
“Pear Tree School is a forefront leader in childhood education.”
“Pear Tree students are learning to think deeply and critically about the big issues of our day.”
Our theme-based approach gives students a full understanding of the topics they study and prepares them to tackle real-life issues.
Project-Based Learning:
We use project-based learning to tackle real-world issues, which helps students develop essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. These skills are crucial not only for school but also for future careers.
For example, when students design an urban garden:
Biology: They learn about plant life cycles.
Chemistry: Taking soil samples and measuring the chemical suitability for the intended plants life.
Math: They use measurements and planning skills to layout the garden.
Art: They creatively design the garden's appearance.
1) A multi-part project from our K/1 community.
2) A multi-part project from our Grade 4/5 students.
3) A final project by our grade 4/5 students.
4) A multi-part project by our grade 2/3 students.
5) A self-composed poetry recital by our grade 4/5 students.
6) A final project by our grade 2/3 students.
7) A gallery project by our grade 6/7 students.
8) A final project by our grade 2/3 students.
“Pear Tree's project-based learning approach is practical and impactful.”
Such a hands-on project not only makes learning fun but also practical, as students see their plans come to life in a beautiful and functional garden.
Exceeding BC Provincial Standards
Advanced Skill Development:
While we adhere to the BC Curriculum, Pear Tree School extends beyond this framework to explore advanced topics and skills that challenge students and accelerate their learning. This not only prepares students for high-level examinations but also for future academic and professional pursuits.
Students engage with advanced content earlier and more deeply than in standard curricula. For example, while the BC Curriculum introduces basic algebra in middle school [link], Pear Tree students begin exploratory work on algebraic concepts in elementary settings - and within real-world contexts.
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:
Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and sustained inquiry. This helps students excel in analyzing information and solving complex problems, skills that are crucial for success in higher education and modern careers.
For example, evaluating sources for a research project develops analytical skills that are essential for academic writing and professional work.
Comprehensive Assessment
Diverse Evaluation Techniques:
Understanding that students demonstrate competence in various ways, Pear Tree School employs a range of assessment methods. Traditional tests are augmented with portfolios, presentations, group projects, and practical applications.
Portfolios that include projects, essays, and presentations provide a more complete picture of a student's capabilities than traditional tests.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Regular, detailed feedback allows students to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, leading to consistently high performance and academic growth.
For example, students receive feedback not just on their final projects but on their problem-solving and research processes.
Cultivating Leaders Through Collaboration
Peer Learning and Leadership:
Collaborative projects foster leadership and teamwork skills, preparing students for leadership roles.
For example, leading a group project on renewable energy solutions teaches negotiation, public speaking, and organizational skills.
The Pear Tree Method profoundly impacts social and emotional development by integrating these aspects into daily learning experiences rather than isolating them into sporadic programs. This approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow into well-rounded individuals capable of understanding and managing their own emotions, empathizing with others, communicating effectively, and navigating the social complexities of the world with confidence and maturity. Here’s how the Pear Tree Method fosters each of these critical components:
Students become articulate and effective communicators
How It's Achieved:
Presentations: Students regularly engage in activities that require them to present their ideas, argue their points of view, and provide constructive feedback to peers. This not only improves their public speaking skills but also their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and confidently in both one-on-one and group settings.
Collaborative Assignments: By working in teams, students enhance their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. They learn to listen actively, interpret body language, and share their ideas in ways that are considerate and respectful of diverse perspectives.
Students develop a strong sense of empathy and global awareness
How It's Achieved:
Theme-Based Learning: Our themes often explore global and societal issues, encouraging students to put themselves in others' shoes and explore the human condition from various cultural and personal perspectives.
Diverse Community Interaction:With a school community that values diversity, students interact with peers from various backgrounds and experiences, enhancing their ability to understand and connect with people different from themselves.
Students excel in self-management and responsible decision-making
How It's Achieved:
Theme-Based Learning: Self-regulation is embedded within the academic and social activities. Students set personal goals, monitor their progress, and reflect on their learning through ePortfolios and self-assessment practices.
Daily Routines and Expectations: The structured yet flexible daily routines at Pear Tree School help students develop discipline and time management skills. They learn to manage their workloads, prioritize tasks, and make informed, thoughtful decisions about their learning and interactions.
Students are prepared not just academically but as empathetic, responsible, and communicative individuals
How It's Achieved:
Whole-Child Focus: By addressing educational needs along with physical, emotional, and social growth, Pear Tree School ensures that students are not only knowledgeable but also emotionally intelligent and socially skilled.
Continuous Feedback Loop: Regular feedback from teachers and peers promotes ongoing personal and academic growth. Students learn to accept critiques gracefully and use them to improve their interpersonal and academic skills.
Pear Tree School's commitment to holistic education is prominently highlighted through its daily physical education and healthy hot lunch program. These initiatives are not only innovative but are integral to fostering a healthy, well-rounded student body. Here’s are just some of the many benefits:
Daily Physical Education
1. Enhanced Physical Health:
Regular Activity: Daily physical education helps students maintain a healthy weight, prevents chronic diseases, and builds strong bones and muscles [link].
Development of Motor Skills: Improves coordination, agility, balance, and strength through diverse physical activities.
2. Improved Academic Performance:
Increased Concentration: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve neural connections, leading to better concentration and longer attention spans in class [link].
Our theme-based curriculum encourages students to apply their knowledge creatively to solve real-world problems. Through our themes and accompanying projects, students learn to think outside the box, innovate, and use technology effectively.
Integrated Arts and Technology
Students engage in curriculum that integrates fine arts, performing arts, and digital technology, encouraging them to use diverse media and tools to express and communicate their ideas innovatively.
3D Printer and Community Partners
Access to our in-house 3D printer and working with community partners helps students apply creativity to invent, build, and experiment, turning their imaginative ideas into tangible outcomes.
Outcome 5: Ethical Local & Global Citizenship
Pear Tree School’s focus on Ethical Local and Global Citizenship equips students not just with academic skills, but with a conscientious perspective on their role in a global society. Here’s a detailed outline of the benefits of this approach:
Development of a Global Perspective
Students are encouraged to think globally and act locally, understanding their impact on the world and the importance of multicultural perspectives.
Incorporation of international themes in the curriculum (such as our Asia theme), and exposure to global issues through projects and discussions.
Cultivation of Ethical Standards
Pear Tree promotes strong ethical values, teaching students to navigate the world with integrity and empathy.
Ethical dilemmas and case studies are integrated into lessons to discuss and resolve complex issues, fostering a deep moral understanding.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
Students learn the importance of community service and active participation in society, developing a sense of responsibility and a desire to give back.
Regular community service projects and initiatives that help local and global communities, partnerships with non-profits, and charity events.
Environmental Stewardship
Emphasizing sustainability, students gain respect for the environment, learning to advocate for and implement sustainable practices.
Environmental science integrated within the curriculum, school-wide recycling programs, and projects focused on solving environmental problems.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives helps students appreciate differences and fosters an inclusive community spirit.
Cultural exchange programs, celebration of global festivals, and foreign language offerings expand students' cultural awareness.
Leadership Skills in a Globalized World
Prepares students to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings, emphasizing collaboration, decision-making, and public speaking.
Leadership roles within the school community, opportunities to lead group projects, and extracurricular activities that require team management.
Problem-Solving for Global Challenges
Students are taught to apply their knowledge to tackle real-world problems, thinking critically and creatively to find solutions.
Project-based learning that involves real-world problems, such as designing solutions for water scarcity or creating business plans with a social impact.
Ethical Use of Technology
With the integration of technology in education, students learn to use these tools responsibly and ethically.
Teaching safe and responsible use of digital resources, digital literacy classes focusing on the ethical issues surrounding technology use.
Understanding of Global Interdependence
Students recognize the interconnectedness of the world, which is crucial in understanding economics, politics, and cultural dynamics.
Studies on global trade, international politics, and global economic policies as part of the social studies curriculum.
