Lots of interest being shown in SciTech program at Macville

January 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The advent of the SciTech program at Macville Public School has drawn plenty of attention.
The cafetorium at Humberview Secondary School was packed last Thursday with students and parents anxious to learn more.
SciTech is a regional program that’s slated to start at Macville in September. The plan is to provide an interactive approach to learning about science and technology. The aim is to attract young people who are creative and who enjoy problem solving. It will start with Grade 6 this coming school year, with students passing through to Grades 7 and 8.
Principal Kelly Kawabe told the crowd the program will be working with Humberview too, taking advantage of such things as the robotics program there.
Superintendent of Schools Joy Uniac said that regional programs are a way to engage students in different ways, and let them follow their passions.
She also said Macville is well suited to the program, being located in the country.
“It’s a beautiful setting,” she said, adding there are water features, farms and fields, making it a great place to learn about science.
“This has been no small feat,” Uniac added, commenting Kawabe and her staff, along with Trustee Stan Cameron had done a lot to pull everything together.
Kawabe said the program at Macville will be open to students starting Grade 6 in September from all Caledon schools, as well as some in north Brampton. She added another reason Macville got the program is because of its central location. She also said the school has lots of room, so there will be no need for portables. The school population will almost double by the time the program has students from Grades 6 to 8.
The five-acre property includes an outdoor classroom that facilitates a focus on the science curriculum, with solar panels, a watering system, etc.
Kawabe also said there’s a lot of diversity at Macville, along with chances for students to experience leadership possibilities.
SciTech, she added, will be a good program for kids who are passionate about hands-on learning, or have an interest in science. This will be a chance for them to explore these interests and see how far their passions will go.
Applications for the program opened Friday and will go until Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. Details on the application process, including the necessary forms, are on the school’s website.
There will be a $40 application fee that will not be refundable.
The process will include hopeful students attending a workshop later in February. Kawabe said it will include a written test. “It’s nothing you can study for,” she said
September will see openings for 56 students in the program and the first set of offers will be going out April 7. The deadline for acceptance will be April 24. The second round of offers will be going out.
Successful students will be chosen based on their inclination toward creative problem solving and how well they work with teams. Those selected will also have to pay a $200 fee.
Kawabe said all required subjects will be taught in the program, but with more of a focus on science. “It’s just a different way of exploring it,” she said.
For more information on the program, go to http://schools.peelschools.org/1466/Pages/default.aspx/ or call the school at (905) 857-3448.

Macville Public School Principal Kelly Kawabe said the SciTech program will be open to students starting Grade 6 in September from all Caledon schools, as well as some in north Brampton.