First Nations Classes

At Esquimalt Secondary they have a very interesting first nations program. There are 170 indigenous students at this school. A very significant portion of these students are at risk of not graduating. As a result the school has tried extremely hard to find ways to make education relevant and meaningful to these students.

There is a first nations wing. In this wing there is a study room with 2 full time helpers and one of the councilors is a regular there as well. While I was in my observation I got to sit in on a Grade 9 'Circle'. At this circle the principal, the vice-principle, 2 councilors, the 2 workers, and 8 grade 9 students were present. The purpose of this 'circle' was to show the students the network of support they had at the school. The students were given the opportunity to talk about what they liked and disliked about school so far. To tell the truth it was shocking to see the responses because they were so negative. Very scary! Apparently the grade 11 'circle' was much more positive. It made me realize that with troubled students, you really have to help push them along from an early age.

There were also first nation classes. For example, there was a first nations English class which dealt with first nations poetry/novels. There was also a first nations science class which had earth science as an emphasis. Other classes were available as well. All of these classes were open to any student, but only the indigenous students took them. They tried to make the classes more relevant to the students. Thereby creating more interest, and a better chance to succeed.