The Multi-Age Advantage

Westside Christian School curriculum meets all the requirements of the B.C. Ministry of Education guidelines for Kindergarten through Grade 9. With our emphasis on learning style assessment and individualized Student Learning Plans, teachers, parents and students work to define areas of strength and weakness. Together they set learning outcomes for the year that are tailored to each child’s unique abilities. While these goals are reviewed and student performance evaluated at the conclusion of each of our three school terms, our teachers and principal are available to discuss your child’s development at any time.

At Westside Christian School multi-age classes are formed by deliberately placing students together with differences in age and abilities in order to facilitate the overall development of each child within a family-like community of learners. Students stay with the same teacher for more than one year and in subsequent years assist in acclimatizing younger students to the class. By design we form small class sizes and flexible groupings that promote individually focused learning. The teachers facilitate student learning according to developmental stages rather than chronological ages and children are able to make progress at their own pace and according to their own level of readiness and personal learning style.

With this unique approach, we are not restrained by traditional grade boundaries or placement requirements. In consultation with parents, we are able to challenge the more advanced student with higher-level work and for a child who struggles provide the security and support needed to proceed at his or her pace. Both receive the support they need to thrive in this small class environment. As they progress, students are encouraged to take more initiative and responsibility in their learning and become self-directed.

As children of different ages work together we find that they learn to accept, respect and accommodate one another. They begin to take on the roles of peer mentor and servant leader appreciating, caring, helping and loving one another. They develop a broader understanding of “peer” and are better prepared to relate to people of all ages outside of the school setting.