open school

At dinner the other night, Patricia explained that Poix is a community where many students do not have the opportunity to take a vacation with their families. The school offers an interesting alternative - l'école ouverte. The students have the option of coming to school and participating in English immersion, math and other academic subjects in the morning, and in diverse activities in the afternoon. This year, there were about 120 students (over 1/3 of the school) who chose to spend the last two weeks of their summer at school.

This afternoon, there was a showcase for the parents, where the students demonstrated all they had learned. There was a display of beadwork that some created in jewelry-making class, a multimedia presentation, theatre, mini-rocket launching, hip-hop, modern jazz and circus. Something for everyone! The students were really proud to show off their talents, and the number of parents in attendance was impressive.

I find this an interesting concept. From what I can tell, the program is subsidized by the department of the Somme, who is responsible for funding the middle schools. Ecole ouverte also takes place during the spring vacation in April. Can you imagine asking our students to give up their vacation to do school work!?