The Coldwater School

Berry Harvesting

Coldwater School has a commitment to educating the whole child: mind, heart, body and spirit. To use the best brain friendly strategies we combine active classroom learning with community experiences. Coldwater School has a fieldtrip program that covers nursery to high school areas of interest. Coldwater School Programs provide instruction in the provincial curriculum with a focus on local culture. We use the following approaches:

Thematic Practical Skills Approach

Core learning outcomes are integrated into practical everyday living whenever possible and are organized around themes that are meaningful to the students at every level.

Differentiated Learning Approaches

Instruction is tailored to the students’ strengths.

Special Needs Approach, emphasizing

Mastery of foundational skills (literacy) Cooperative learning activities (working in groups) Individual goal setting, planning and accomplishments Criteria reference evaluation (student performance is compared to provincially established criteria.)

Nle’kepmx Native Language and Culture Program

Coldwater School has developed its own Native Language curriculum based upon the language used in the Coldwater community. It takes a thematic approach to provide instruction in the language. Levels One and Two include themes on: greetings, counting, short commands, sentences, colors, body parts, health, clothing, family, nature, the five senses, seasons, wild & domestic foods, objects and action words. The Cultural Program is made up of activities (games, music, outdoors), local stories, hands-on projects and field trips such as identifying native plants, gathering traditional foods, practicing traditional crafts and observing the salmon run. Native language is used with these activities to provide instruction on the cultural traditions of the Coldwater people. The traditional values of listening, respect and truthfulness are emphasized throughout. The uniqueness and strength of the program is in its access to nature. Nature walks and field trips are used to identify and harvest plants, go camping, fishing and hunting.

Headstart Program 0-6 Years

The Headstart Program began in 1999 and is a community based educational program.

Outreach 0-3 yrs

The Outreach Portage Program is for newborns up to 3 years old.We recognize the valuable influences of family, caregivers, and environment. The program encourages growth and development through play. We offer support to parents for their children’s individual development.

Nursery 4yrs

Coldwater School provides a creative and supportive cultural environment in a comfortable, well-equipped room. Early development is promoted through the following elements:

Elementary  K-Grade 6 The Elementary Program nurtures individual learning styles, experiences, and interests.  Each child is valued and encouraged to achieve their creative, intellectual, social, and physical potential.  Students are given a foundation of Nle’kepmx Culture and Language skills. High School Grades 7-12 The Resource Tech Program includes both the Career Education Program, focusing on Functional Skills for working and living, and the Academic Program, with provincially accredited courses provided through Distance Education.  All students develop career goals and take part in fieldtrips and school events as well as completing their course work.