Experiential Learning
Learning by Doing, Growing Through Experience
At Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB), we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Experiential Learning (EL) provides students with hands-on opportunities to engage, reflect, and apply their learning in real-world settings. Through interactive projects, career exploration, and skill development, students gain valuable insights into their interests and future pathways.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning is learning by doing—an approach that allows students to actively participate in meaningful
experiences, reflect on their learning, and apply new knowledge in different contexts. This method builds confidence, strengthens problem-solving skills, and prepares students for future careers. The Experiential LearningCycle consists of three key stages: participation, reflection, and application. Students engage in hands-on activities, analyze their experiences, and connect their learning to new situations, broadening their understanding and skills.
Experiential Learning Programs at BGCDSB
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) introduces students to skilled trades while earning high school credits. Through this program, students can explore career paths in the trades by engaging in real-world learning experiences. They also have access to the Skills Opportunity Showcase Trailer, which visits grades 7-8 to introduce them to hands-on opportunities in skilled trades. Additionally, BGCDSB hosts trades fairs at secondary schools and participates in events such as "Build A Dream," designed to encourage female students to explore careers in trades.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs provide students with specialized career-focused learning in a variety of fields, including Arts & Culture, Environment, Construction, Health & Wellness, Manufacturing, Energy, and Transportation. These programs include industry certifications, cooperative education placements, and experiential learning opportunities that help students gain a deeper understanding of their chosen sector while preparing them for post-secondary education or the workforce. Students who successfully complete the SHSM requirements will receive a red seal on their Ontario secondary school diploma.
The School-College-Work Initiative (SCWI) supports students by offering dual credit programs that allow them to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. It also provides access to Level 1 Apprenticeship Programs, giving students an early introduction to apprenticeship training. Through partnerships with Georgian and Fanshawe College, students participate in hands-on learning experiences, attend events such as After Grad and Program Highlights Day, and explore various career pathways available to them.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiatives encourage students to engage in
innovative and problem-solving activities. The STEAM Faire and Skills Expo provide hands-on workshops for Grade 5-8 students, exposing them to various STEM-related disciplines. Other initiatives include participation in First Robotics Competitions, Lego League Challenges, and outreach programs such as the University of Waterloo Engineering Outreach for Grade 4 students and the NII Grade 6/7 Electricity and Heat Workshops.
Outdoor and land-based learning opportunities offer students immersive experiences in nature and environmental stewardship. Programs such as Genesis at Sacred Heart High School and RISE at St. Mary’s provide students with hands-on activities that foster a deeper appreciation for sustainability and the environment. Other initiatives, including the Forest Festival, Water Festival, Envirothon, and the Youth Climate Action Change Conference, help students develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.
Career exploration is an essential component of experiential learning, and BGCDSB provides multiple opportunities for students to explore different professions. Skills Ontario Competitions allow students to demonstrate their abilities in various skilled trades, while VR Career Exploration offers immersive experiences using virtual reality headsets. Honour the Work Kits introduce skilled trades concepts to younger students in grades K-6 through interactive and hands-on activities.
BGCDSB also offers travel and virtual learning experiences, allowing students to expand their knowledge beyond the traditional classroom setting. Programs such as EF Travel for Credit provide students with the opportunity to earn high school credits while traveling and exploring different cultures. Virtual field trips connect students to unique educational experiences without leaving their schools.
The board has supported the creation of community-based learning and life skills programs which are teacher-driven initiatives to ensure that all students have access to meaningful educational experiences. Some examples of previous programs included the Junior Apprentices initiative for grades 3-4 introduced younger students to skilled trades through partnerships with OYAP, Skills Ontario, and Scientists in School. The Life Skills at Home & in the Community program supported students with Developmental Disabilities (DD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing them with real-world experiences such as grocery shopping, visiting a post office, and participating in community events. The "Growing Roots for Success" initiative engaged entire school communities in sustainability efforts, including gardening, cooking, and food preservation, fostering both environmental awareness and practical skills.
How to Get Involved?
BGCDSB encourages students, educators, and community partners to explore and expand Experiential Learning in schools. Whether through classroom projects, community partnerships, or hands-on skill-building opportunities, we strive to provide engaging learning experiences that shape the future of our students. For more information or to get involved, visit our Experiential Learning Website or talk to your school’s Guidance Counselor.