Intellectual Development
Our students will learn key academic skills - like reading, writing and math - to encompass the knowledge and processes associated with intellectual development. As learners and meaning-makers, students take subject-specific concepts and content and transform them into a new understanding.
Goals
- Improve student success in literacy.
- Improve student success in numeracy.
At Chief Dan George Middle we are focused on improving reading, writing, and math for every student. This work follows the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning and our 2024 to 2028 district plan. We keep it simple and measurable. We track progress through fall and spring checks in English and French, classroom work, and teacher observations.
LITERACY:
Learning vocabulary words is important because it helps students expand their language skills, improve reading comprehension, and express their thoughts more clearly. In this example students follow the Frayer Model which is a graphic organizer that helps students build a precise understanding of a word or concept by mapping meaning and boundaries. Students capture a clear definition, key characteristics, examples, and non-examples, and add context sentences, and a simple visual. Ms. Angela Boon models this with her Grade 6 Pod B2 class.
NUMERACY
At Chief Dan George middle we are intentionally building numeracy by combining curriculum-aligned math content (number concepts, data, patterns & algebra, financial literacy) with opportunities to apply math in real life contexts so students become confident and flexible problem-solvers. For example, use of measurement and geometry in our outdoor education design of our garden, or analyzing data by tracking and interpreting class recycling habits.
Instruction blends with whole group modelling, with small group problem solving, manipulatives, number talks and targeted assessments. To Pinpoint next steps, classrooms such as Mr. Gills Grade 7 class use math games to build procedural fluency, strategic flexibility and positive math mindsets through low stakes practice and joyful social experiences.
Numeracy Through Inquiry and Measurement
Students explored friction by measuring and comparing how different surfaces affected the distance an object travelled. They collected data, recorded results, and discussed patterns in their findings. Through this process, students applied key numeracy skills including measurement, comparison, and analysis. This learning supports our school goal of improving student success in numeracy and aligns with the district focus on developing strong academic skills, where students use mathematical thinking to build and communicate new understanding.
Numeracy Through Applied Learning
Grade 8 students explored 3D shapes through hands-on learning. They investigated volume and surface area by building, measuring, and solving problems. Students applied mathematical thinking to deepen their understanding and explain their reasoning. This work supports our school goal of improving student success in numeracy and aligns with the district focus on developing strong academic skills through active, applied learning.
