“THE STREAM ADVANTAGE!” York Catholic District School Board curates creative and innovative pedagogy

BY PAUL JUNOR

As school boards across Ontario think of creative and innovative ways to teach the curriculum, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has taken a leap ahead.

On Thursday, March 28^th, 2022, they released a press release that announced the launch of its ‘ STREAM’ Centres of Excellence, which is a “Unique, inquiry-based learning experience grounded in Catholic values and Social Justice.” It will be located at the following schools across York Region:

• All Saints CES (Markham)
• Corpus Christi CES (Richmond Hill)
• Divine Mercy CES (Maple)
• Our Lady of Grace CES (Woodbridge)
• Stephen CES (Woodbridge)

The acronym STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It will be integrated into the K-12 curriculum. The press release notes that far beyond linear tech-based learning, STREAM looks broadly at enriching society using its core disciplines as practical access points for guiding: inquiry, dialogue, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

In preparing YCDSB students for emerging pathways and careers, STREAM creates and supports a learning environment that is fluid, relevant, and caring. It is this approach that differentiates STREAM from many tech-based or alternative education offerings currently available to students and families. Families of children who are K-12 and are interested in this unique program will be able to maximize their learning as well as empower their faith guided by Catholic teachings.

The following Catholic virtues will be emphasized; Empathy, Solidarity, and Responsibility as well as the five universal principles of: Social Justice; Equity, Access, Participation, Diversity and Human Rights. The learning theme will focus on the following areas: Design Thinking, Robotics, Coding, Virtual Reality, Experiential Learning, and 3D Printing.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the YCDSB states in the press release, “These centres are strategically located throughout York Region, with transportation funded centrally, so as to ensure equitable access to these state of the art resources. STREAM teachers will work with classroom teachers to ensure a continuity of learning and build capacity within the system will deliver programming. In an increasingly complex world, our students, as Catholic global citizens, will need to rely on a diverse set of new skills, an advanced way of thinking, applying knowledge, and problem solving. Each of our STREAM Centres of Excellence will engage students from an early age to spark interest, and a lifelong love for inquiry-based learning.”