Grade 4 Mindful Tinkering class begins with time in our Da Vinci notebooks. We listen to classical music and take time to carefully observe and set an intention for our building time. Genius Hour presentations in Grade 3 always inspire our students to learn from each other. The best part of creating is sharing your creation with others and having them test it out with you. Critical thinking in action as Grade 1 students create a dragon trap to celebrate the Lunar New Year ..read more

The Junior School imagination lab provides a space for our youngest students to explore, create and practice the skills necessary to become problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Our future graduates will need to address challenges in the world not yet anticipated, with technologies not yet imagined, in order to improve and thrive in the world in which they will live.  Our JS iLab is a joyful hive of activity. Walls full of brightly coloured, inspiring materials are deliberately placed in open bins for young hands to explore. Endless supplies of recycled cardboard ..read more

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A video update of the iLab activities so far this year ..read more

My journey into makerspaces and genius hour has been full of ups and downs. There is no clear path and much of it, while based in educational theory that I firmly believe in, is often based on gut feelings. I just know when magic is happening in my classroom. It feels right. It sounds right. Students are engaged, in charge and having fun. I have these moments often during open-ended, student-initiated activities so I know that I am on to a good thing. I surround myself online with people who inspire me daily with stories of innovation and making. I also firmly agree with Sir Ken Robinson ..read more

Reggio inspired makerspace We finally have a beautiful space for the children to use during our Genius Hour. A place to be inspired, to innovate, create and build ..read more

I am often asked what kinds of projects do the students engage in during Genius hour. I asked the children to brainstorm all the things that they had tried this year. This list should give you an idea of the range, the imagination and the amazing creativity of this group! What I did for Genius Hour… (2015-16)  * I learned how to knit and crochet, and I studied trains – Aaron G.  * I studied bunnies, Flip for Gold, 3D Printing, and created a candy machine – Tilly G.  * I learned 3D Printing, how to code, how to drive Ollie, and I studied chicks and chickens – Emily K.  * I ..read more

We surveyed our Grade 3 students at the end of the year to find out their thoughts on Genius Hour and what it meant to them.  Genius Hour is........ * A perfect combination between work and play – * A fun time to do whatever you want –  * A time to channel your inner genius –  * A time when you can learn and have fun –  * When you can pick a project and make a masterpiece –  * A good time to do anything on your mind –  * A time when there is no competition –  * A time when you can do anything you want, from researching to making a game –  * A time to c ..read more